The Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, has declared that it is positioning itself to form the next government in 2027, either on its own or as part of a coalition, as the party begins a major reorganization of its political machinery ahead of the next general election.

In resolutions issued after a party retreat in Mombasa County, ODM said it had made a “strategic and practical” decision to move its long-standing support base from opposition politics and street protests into government, where it says it can directly influence decisions affecting Kenyans.

The retreat brought together ODM Members of Parliament from the National Assembly and senate, governors, members of the National Executive Committee, county assembly majority and minority leaders, and members of the party’s Board of Trustees.

According to the party, the meeting focused on organizational renewal, strengthening grassroots networks, preparing for future electoral contests, and expanding ODM’s support base ahead of 2027.

“It is the strategic and practical plan of ODM to form the next government either alone or as part of the coalition that forms that government in 2027,” the party said in the statement.

ODM said the decision to pursue power was anchored in the ideals of its founding leader, Raila Odinga, whose political vision the party said remains central to its future direction.

The party said it would continue pushing for youth employment, support for the poor and vulnerable, assistance to widows and single mothers, and an increase in the monthly stipend for elderly persons from Sh2,000 to Sh6,000.

“ODM still believes in change and reform. Over the decades, we have fought for change and reform from the streets through protests and endless demonstrations,” the party said.

However, ODM signalled a shift in political strategy, saying it would now seek to influence change from inside government rather than from outside.

“We have made the conscious decision that going forward, we will pursue change and reform from inside the government. ODM has decided to be at tables and meetings where decisions that hurt our people are being made and to turn them into decisions that support our people,” the statement read.

Among the key resolutions, ODM directed its secretariat to deploy regional teams to identify and recruit potential candidates willing to contest on the party ticket in all elective positions.

The party also tasked the National Elections Coordinating Committee, formerly the National Elections Board, with developing what it described as enhanced and fail-proof mechanisms for conducting free, fair, transparent and credible party nominations.

The nominations process has historically been one of the most contentious issues within major political parties, with disputes often leading to defections, independent candidacies and internal divisions. ODM said the committee would also review how candidates are selected for nomination slots in Parliament and county assemblies, taking into account concerns already raised.

The party further resolved to revamp its youth and women leagues as part of a broader effort to develop a stronger gender and generational mix in its leadership structures.

ODM said young people and women must be “organically developed” into party leadership at all levels.

ODM also directed the party to develop actionable strategies for incorporating Artificial Intelligence technology into its organization and planning ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party also said it would engage relevant government agencies over the high cost of data, arguing that expensive internet access was limiting Kenyans’ ability to access online government services, education, procurement opportunities, information and digital opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.

ODM further resolved to push the state to fully release political party funds, saying public funding was critical to strengthening democracy, protecting the independence of parties, and promoting transparency and accountability.

The party also said it would engage the State to fast-track compensation for victims of police brutality, as endorsed in the national budget, and consider extending the compensation framework beyond the current legal provisions.

In another resolution targeting young voters, ODM said it would activate party chapters in universities and colleges across the country and build closer links with progressive youth organizations.

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